Numbers 1:1-4: Lessons Regarding Why God Sometimes Sends His People into the Wilderness

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1. The Two Themes of Numbers. Nu. 1:1; 1 Cor. 10:1-6.

2. God’s Three Orders For a Census. Nu. 1:2-4; 26:2; Ex. 30:11-12.

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3. Seven Reasons Why We Wind Up In The Wilderness.

God spoke to Moses in “the wilderness” (Nu. 1:1). The Hebrew title of this book, Bamidbar, translates as “in the wilderness.” The English title “Numbers” comes from the Greek Septuagint. It comes from the census that was taken at the beginning and end of this book. But the title “wilderness” better describes what this book is about. As set forth below, the wilderness can be filled with paradoxes. In some ways, it is a punishment. In other ways, it can serve as a blessing. Here are seven things to consider about the wilderness.

(1) God brings us there when we sin. The wilderness was a place where God sent people to die for their sins (Nu. 14:35). The first generation of Israel murmured against God, and had been taken into the wilderness to die. Salvation does not turn on obedience (Gal. 2:21). Yet, there are still consequences when a nation lives in open rebellion against God’s Law. Just before the journey began, He warned that a person or a nation in open rebellion will go through 12 stages of progress discipline in the wilderness:

(1) fear (Lev. 26:14-16(a));

(2) paranoia of control by one’s enemies (Lev. 26:16(b)-17);

(3) the loss of pride (Lev. 26:18-19);

(4) fruitless labors (Lev. 26:20-22, 16(a));

(5) torment (Lev. 26:23-25; Lk. 16:25);

(6) the loss of satisfaction (Lev. 26:26);

(7) strained family relations (Lev. 26:27-29);

(8) the loss of worldly idols (things you depend upon) (Lev 26:30-31(a));

(9) prayers not being heard or “hindered” (Lev. 26:31(b); 1 Pet. 3:7);

(10) barren lands (Lev. 26:32-35.);

(11) paranoia everywhere (Lev. 26:36-37); and

(12) rotting strength (Lev. 26:38-39). Has sin brought you into the wilderness? How much discipline does God need to apply before you turn back?

(2) God shows us there what is in our hearts. The wilderness includes “snakes and scorpions.” (Dt. 8:15). Snakes and scorpions represent evil spirits (Lk. 10:18-19; Isa. 13:21-22; 34:10-15). Even the Devil tried unsuccessfully to tempt Jesus in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1). God searches our hearts and tests our minds (Jer. 17:10; Ex. 20:20). When we are tested, we frequently find that our hearts are wicked and we are in need of repentance (Jer. 17:9). The last time you found yourself in the wilderness because of your sin, what did you find when God showed you what was in your heart? Did you then repent of that sin?

(3) God provides refuge there. Hagar went into the wilderness to escape Sarah. Moses and the nation of Israel later fled from Pharaoh into the wilderness. While in the wilderness, God protected the Jews both day and night (Ex. 13:21). To escape Saul, David took shelter in the wilderness. Jesus also hid in the wilderness (Jo. 11:54). In the end times, the wilderness will also be a place of refuge from the evil one (Rev. 12:6; see also, Jer. 2:2). Today, Jesus protects us on our journey through the desert from the evil one (Matt. 6:13). Are you calling out to Him for protection if you feel under attack?

(4) God speaks to us there. In Hosea 2:14, God says “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness and speak kindly to her.” Sometimes our life is so busy that we can’t hear God’s voice and direction for us. Sometimes, He must pull us into the wilderness before we will finally listen to Him. If every minute of your day is filled with activity, how much time does He have to speak with you?

(5) God’s will for us is revealed there. Jesus, the great “I AM”, spoke to Moses in the wilderness (Jo. 8:58; Ex. 3:14). He also gave the Ten Commandments and the other laws there. Jesus later preached in the open spaces. The Rabbis believed that God gave the Law in the wilderness because it belonged to everyone. If we need to leave the busy places of our lives and retreat into the wilderness to have Him speak to us, how can we expect to learn His will for us unless we go there?

(6) God forces us to depend upon Him there. Every good and perfect thing in our lives comes from above (Jam. 1:17). In the wilderness, we are forced to face this fact. In a city, this is not always the case. As Moses warned: “you may say in your heart, ‘my power and my strength of my hand made me this wealth.” (Dt. 8:17). When everything you normally depend upon fails you, do you turn to God for help?

(7) God provides for us in the wilderness. God also cares for us in the wilderness (Hos. 13:5). Through Christ, He provided manna and water in the desert (Matt. 4:4; Jo. 6:33-35). He fed Elijah while he was in the wilderness (1 Kgs. 17:2-6). He also provided for Hagar in the wilderness (Gen. 21:19). At the time of the festival on Sukkot, the Jews build small booths to live in for a week. They celebrated His provision during their time in the wilderness (Ex. 25:8; 29:44-45; Dt. 16:13-15). How often do you give thanks for His provision?

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